Santa Claus gift traditions come in as many varieties as Santa photo props in the mall. In our home, Santa leaves one “big” present unwrapped under the tree for each child. We call this the “Wow!” gift because the kids gasp and squeal with delight when they spot their gift. Today’s Holiday Shopping Guide spotlight is on the toys that WOW.

Wow Toys: The Shopping Mama Holiday Shopping Guide

Personalized Play TeePee (Love Lime Kids, $188): We love dedicated play spaces for kids and it doesn’t get any better than this cozy teepee. This set from Love Lime Kids includes the tent, floor mat and poles and is customized with your child’s initial.

Play-by-Play 4-in-1 Table (Land of Nod, $179): As kids grow, the challenge to wow with age-appropriate “toys” does, too. This awesome 4-in-1 table is a great solution for moody tweens who just can’t seem to decide what they want because the single table includes pool, hockey, foosball and table tennis. The table isn’t full-size but it makes it easier to fit and move within your home.

Westport Dollhouse (Pottery Barn Kids, $199): This gorgeous classic dollhouse will be an instant family heirloom that your child will enjoy and pass on to her children. We love the simple but beautifully crafted design of the house with three floors and four rooms. Add a personal touch with a family name on the front of the house.

Silver Speedster (The Land of Nod, $109): Go, go speed racer! A sleek silver body, working steering column, cushioned seat, rubber tires… this speedster has it all. Perfect for active toddlers who want to zip around the town (er, house), this stylish ride on car is a top gift pick from Santa’s elves!

Intergalactic Play Set (The Land of Nod, $199): Available exclusively at The Land of Nod, this space center play set stands over 40 inches tall with five levels for fun. The set includes 7 space characters, 3 pieces of equipment, a rolling robot, a cart and a flag. The result is a space play set that is truly out of this world.

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The Shopping Mama Holiday Shopping Guide

Kate started The Shopping Mama™ in January 2009 when, after graduating law school, she traded in online legal research and writing for locating the best products for children. She shops for three kids ages 8, 6 and 3 from their home in Japan. Her military family is making the most of back-to-back overseas assignments by traveling every chance they get.

Love the great toys featured in this year’s Shopping Guide! My youngest would go crazy for that Silver Speedster! And my daughter would play nonstop with the Westport Dollhouse. Thanks for such quality, imagination-inducing selections!